Lot 91
Lindbergh, Charles A (1902-1974) American aviator. He made the first solo transatlantic flight from Roosevelt Field, New York to Le Bourget Air Field, Paris, on May 20-21, 1927, in his monoplane, Spirit of St. Louis. Oversize Photograph Signed "C.A. Lindbergh / Mar 4, 1928," 13¾ x 9¾ in., no place. A sepia-toned, head-and-shoulders portrait of Lindbergh gazing intently into the distance. He wears his aviator jacket and helmet, goggles hanging around his neck. There is damage in the lower left background area, far from the signature and not affecting the image; light silvering, one faint mark just below Lindbergh's mouth, and a couple of specks in the upper background. A superb display piece.
Accompanied by two bronze medals, both 2 5/8 in. in diameter; one commemorating Lindbergh's flight and the other Napoleon's death (May 5, 1821).
The Lindbergh photograph was presented to Rear Admiral Charles G. "Count" DeKay (1905-1984), USN Ret. DeKay was a 1927 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis. He spent 31 years in the Navy Supply Corp., was assistant naval attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Paris from 1938 until 1940, and was aboard the USS San Francisco at Pearl Harbor. In 1951 and '52, he served on the staff of Eisenhower's staff at Supreme Headquarters, Allied Powers Europe, in Paris, and commanded stations in Ohio and California before retiring in 1958. DeKay's mother was a first cousin of Lindbergh's mother. The consignor obtained the photograph from his great aunt, Harrison Griffith DeKay of Pebble Beach, California, who was married to Rear Admiral DeKay. A letter of provenance accompanies the lot.
Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,500.
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| Realized $1,586 |
